Coronavirus: spraying disinfectant is harmful and dangerous, WHO says

Published by
Elodie D. · Published on 17 May 2020 at 10h18
· Updated on 18 May 2020 at 19h28

Disinfecting streets to destroy coronavirus, this is the issue in many city halls. WHO has just said that it would be harmful and dangerous and warns countries, for the organization: spraying disinfectant in the streets will not kill coronavirus.

Spraying disinfectant in the streets to kill coronavirus. This is common practice across the world since this past April and yet. According to WHO, “Spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is… not recommended to kill the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris”.

Paris has refused to do so, after being asked by the Health Minister and the Ile-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS). According to them, “spraying bleach or any other disinfectant is useless and dangerous for the environment”.

From now on, WHO joins the Health minister in a document about cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. It reads: “Even in the absence of organic matter, chemical spraying is unlikely to adequately cover all surfaces for the duration of the required contact time needed to inactivate pathogens.” According to the World Health Organization, we should use cloths or wipes soaked in disinfectant and rub the surface to remove the virus.

The organization reminds that spraying individuals with disinfectants is “not recommended under any circumstances” as it “could be physically and psychologically harmful and would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact”.

Spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye or skin irritation, WHO says, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects. Spraying or fumigating disinfectants indoors is not recommended either by WHO. A few days earlier, Michael Ryan said in a press brief: “I think it is important we are realistic and I don’t think anyone can predict when this disease will disappear”